Social Welfare Payments in Ireland

1. Social Insurance Payments (Contributory)

State Pension (Contributory)

• Definition: A payment made to individuals aged 66 or over who have made sufficient PRSI contributions.
• Application: The amount received depends on the individual's PRSI contribution record.
• Example: An individual who has paid PRSI for 40 years may receive a full contributory state pension.

Widow's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension

• Definition: A payment to widows or surviving civil partners based on the PRSI contributions of either the individual or their deceased partner.
• Application: Eligibility and amount depend on the PRSI contributions and the age of the recipient.
• Example: A widow aged 66, whose spouse had a full PRSI record, may receive a full widow's pension.

Jobseeker's Benefit

• Definition: A payment to individuals who are unemployed but have paid sufficient PRSI contributions.
• Application: It is payable for a certain period, depending on the PRSI contributions.
• Example: An unemployed person aged 30, with two years of PRSI contributions, may receive jobseeker's benefit for up to 9 months.

Maternity Benefit

• Definition: A payment to pregnant women who have made sufficient PRSI contributions and are on maternity leave from work.
• Application: Paid for 26 weeks, starting two weeks before the expected date of birth.
• Example: A pregnant employee may receive a weekly maternity benefit if she has sufficient PRSI contributions.

Paternity Leave

• Definition: A benefit for fathers, or a relevant parent, to take two weeks of paternity leave.
• Application: Available to those with sufficient PRSI contributions.
• Example: A new father can avail of two weeks of paternity leave within the first six months of the child's birth.

2. Social Assistance Payments (Non-Contributory)

State Pension (Non-Contributory)

• Definition: A payment for individuals aged 66 or over who have not qualified for the contributory pension.
• Example: An elderly person with no or limited means may be eligible for a non-contributory state pension.

Widow's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension (Non-Contributory)

• Definition: A payment for widows or surviving civil partners without sufficient PRSI contributions.
• Example: A widow without adequate PRSI contributions may qualify for this pension based on her financial needs.

Jobseeker's Allowance

• Definition: A payment for unemployed individuals without sufficient PRSI contributions.
• Example: An unemployed person with limited means may be eligible for jobseeker's allowance.

Working Family Payment

• Definition: A payment to low-income families with dependent children.
• Application: Eligibility is based on income and family size.
• Example: A family with three children and low income may receive this payment to help meet their living costs.

Supplementary Welfare Allowance

• Definition: A payment to individuals who have little or no income.
• Application: It acts as a safety net for those not qualifying for other welfare benefits.
• Example: A person who suddenly becomes unemployed and has no income may apply for this allowance.

One-Parent Family Payment

• Definition: A payment for men and women raising children without the support of a partner.
• Application: Eligibility is based on income and personal circumstances.
• Example: A single parent with a young child and low income may be eligible for this payment.

3. Universal Payments

Child Benefit

• Definition: A monthly payment to parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age, or under 18 if in full-time education or training.
• Application: Paid to all qualifying children, regardless of household income.
• Example: A family with two children under 16 will receive a monthly child benefit for each child.